Preview — When the Grits Hit the Fan
by Maddie Day

When the Grits Hit the Fan

Despite the bitter winter in South Lick, Indiana, business is still hot at Robbie Jordan’s restaurant. But when another murder rattles the small town, can Robbie defrost the motives of a cold-blooded killer?

Before she started hosting dinners for Indiana University’s Sociology Department at Pans ‘N Pancakes, Robbie never imagined scholarly meetings could be so hostile. It’sDespite the bitter winter in South Lick, Indiana, business is still hot at Robbie Jordan’s restaurant. But when another murder rattles the small town, can Robbie defrost the motives of a cold-blooded killer?

Before she started hosting dinners for Indiana University’s Sociology Department at Pans ‘N Pancakes, Robbie never imagined scholarly meetings could be so hostile. It’s all due to Professor Charles Stilton, who seems to thrive on heated exchanges with his peers and underlings, and tensions flare one night after he disrespects Robbie’s friend, graduate student Lou. So when Robbie and Lou go snowshoeing the next morning and find the contentious academic frozen under ice, police suspect Lou might have killed him after their public tiff. To prove her friend’s innocence, Robbie is absorbing local gossip about Professor Stilton’s past and developing her own thesis on the homicide—even if that means stirring up terrible danger for herself along the way . . ....more

Community Reviews

Business is busy at the Pan And Pancake cafe as Robbie deals with the effects of finding an UI professor floating under the ice at the local pond. A close friend of Robbie 's is the main person of interest in the suspicious death. Helping her friend clear her name takes Robbie to explore the Sociology Department of the University of Indiana. Robbie is remodeling the unused portion of the building in order to open a Bed and Breakfast. She finds a tunnel connecting her to the barn. Stories of twoBusiness is busy at the Pan And Pancake cafe as Robbie deals with the effects of finding an UI professor floating under the ice at the local pond. A close friend of Robbie 's is the main person of interest in the suspicious death. Helping her friend clear her name takes Robbie to explore the Sociology Department of the University of Indiana. Robbie is remodeling the unused portion of the building in order to open a Bed and Breakfast. She finds a tunnel connecting her to the barn. Stories of two unwed mothers and adoptions of their babies add interest. I feel this is the best book in a first-class series. The recipes of the food mention in the book are included. I recommend this book and series.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own....more

To help make money in the cold February winter, Robbie Jordan has opened up her restaurant for dinner two Friday’s a month to the Sociology department of a nearby college. Any thoughts she had about this being a calm exchange of ideas goes out the window when one of the professors, Charles, picks fights with two different people. The next afternoon, Robbie is out with her friend Lou when they find Charles under the ice in the nearby lake. Since Lou had fought with Charles the night before, the pTo help make money in the cold February winter, Robbie Jordan has opened up her restaurant for dinner two Friday’s a month to the Sociology department of a nearby college. Any thoughts she had about this being a calm exchange of ideas goes out the window when one of the professors, Charles, picks fights with two different people. The next afternoon, Robbie is out with her friend Lou when they find Charles under the ice in the nearby lake. Since Lou had fought with Charles the night before, the police are looking at her as a suspect. But with Charles as universally hated as he was, surely Robbie can find a better suspect, right?

Charles’s habit of making enemies serves us plenty of suspects. The lack of clues to point the finger at any single person makes for lots of fun. I was never bored watching the plot unfold. A couple of the series regulars weren’t around for this book, but those who were around were certainly delightful. The suspects were all strong and viable, and the climax was creative and page turning. Can I just say how much I would love to visit Robbie’s restaurant? Seriously, it sounds delightful. (Well, when a murder isn’t taking place, of course.)

Out of the three books in this series, this one is my favorite. The series has finally hit its stride, showcasing the flavor of southern Indiana with a picturesque setting, colorful characters and an absorbing plot that pulls you right into the wonderful world of South Lick. Picture it: the snow gently falling on the rolling hills, the small town diner serving delicious food with a heaping side of gossip, and the warmth of friends and family, it's all sSee all of my reviews at Mystereity Reviews

Out of the three books in this series, this one is my favorite. The series has finally hit its stride, showcasing the flavor of southern Indiana with a picturesque setting, colorful characters and an absorbing plot that pulls you right into the wonderful world of South Lick. Picture it: the snow gently falling on the rolling hills, the small town diner serving delicious food with a heaping side of gossip, and the warmth of friends and family, it's all so inviting that it's easy to get comfortable. And that's what I like most about cozy mysteries, how comfortable you are sinking into them, and the Country Store series is an excellent example; it's a great place to spend a few hours, even if there is a murderer on the loose. Throw in a victim that you love to hate (let's face it, it's always satisfying when a thoroughly disagreeable character is the victim, isn't it?) and no shortage of suspects, each with their own good motive for murder, plus hidden tunnels, puzzling objects found in the walls during remodeling and an action packed ending and you have the perfect recipe for a great cozy mystery.

Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book. I was not compensated, and this is my honest and unsolicited review....more

When the Grits Hit the Fan is the third book in the Country Store Mystery series and is the best so far. Robbie Jordan is renovating the upstairs of Pan N' Pancakes in South Lick Indiana. She talks to the old owner and her daughter about finding artifacts in the walls that she is tearing out to add some rooms as a Bed and Breakfast. They would love to see what she has found. Meanwhile business has slowed down a bit so she has closed for a couple of days a week to do the work. Her friend Lou, hasWhen the Grits Hit the Fan is the third book in the Country Store Mystery series and is the best so far. Robbie Jordan is renovating the upstairs of Pan N' Pancakes in South Lick Indiana. She talks to the old owner and her daughter about finding artifacts in the walls that she is tearing out to add some rooms as a Bed and Breakfast. They would love to see what she has found. Meanwhile business has slowed down a bit so she has closed for a couple of days a week to do the work. Her friend Lou, has set up a dinner for the Sociology department from the University every other Friday. It is at one of these dinners that a couple of arguments break out. The next day, Lou and Robbie are out snowshoeing. Taking a shortcut across the lake, they find the dead body of the professor that was involved in the arguments the previous evening. He is frozen under a light crust of ice in a large fishing hole. Because Lou was on of the people he argued with the night before, and she was one of the people to find the body, she is the number one suspect. Of course, Robbie wants to prove her innocence and begins to investigate on her own. The side story going on is that Robbie finds a hidden ladder and secret tunnels under her property and thinks someone has been using them. Things heat up with accusations, threats, questions and an eventual showdown. This was a great mystery.

Robbie Jordan is a great protagonist. She is smart, capable, loyal and knows her way around tools. She sure knows how to manage time as she cooks and serves at her restaurant, investigates the murder and the tunnels as well as wielding a pry bar to tear out plaster. With all this going on, she still has time for dinner and extracurricular activities with her boyfriend, Abe O'Neill. The murder mystery was pretty easy for me to solve, but there were still a lot of suspects, red herrings and some surprises in store. The mystery of the tunnels and secret passage was a different thing altogether, I had no idea who had been in the store and why. I read this book in one day as I wanted to see if I was right about the killer. I enjoyed this book and will definitely keep reading Country Store Mysteries. ...more

There are more than grits hitting the fan in this exciting installment of the Country Store Mysteries!

Rather she’s writing as Maddie Day or Edith Maxwell, this author’s impressive writing brings me back time and time again. I have never finished one of her books and not been totally entertained. I can’t see myself ever passing up a title penned by this wonderful writer.

When I started reading, WHEN THE GRITS HIT THE FAN, author Maddie Day quickly lured me in with tasty food, and vibrant charactThere are more than grits hitting the fan in this exciting installment of the Country Store Mysteries!

Rather she’s writing as Maddie Day or Edith Maxwell, this author’s impressive writing brings me back time and time again. I have never finished one of her books and not been totally entertained. I can’t see myself ever passing up a title penned by this wonderful writer.

When I started reading, WHEN THE GRITS HIT THE FAN, author Maddie Day quickly lured me in with tasty food, and vibrant characters. Her attention to even the smallest detail held me captive with my Kindle clutched in my hand, swiping the pages faster and faster. (I will be purchasing a print copy of this book. It simply has to have a place on my bookshelves!)

WHEN THE GRITS HIT THE FAN was a mystery full of more twists and turns than a funnel cake. (Maddie, I don’t believe I’ve seen funnel cakes on Robbie’s menu. They would make a great alternative to waffles and pancakes. ) Each time I thought I had it figured out, author Day threw in another twist that completely took me by surprise. With the story getting better with every page, the reveal, and ending did not disappoint.

And last but for from least, Day has included recipes like, Warm Up Your Tootsies Omelet, Grits with Cheese, and Pork Chops with a sauce that will have your tastes buds begging for more!

There is also an excerpt for BISCUIT AND SLASHED BROWNS, the fourth book in this fabulous series. Yay!!! Another one!

The Country Store Mysteries is a series that every fan of true, traditional cozy mysteries is going to enjoy. It has everything you’re looking for when picking out a new cozy....more

The weather is chilly in South Lick but for Professor Charles Stilton it is downright icy! Robbie Jordan and her friend Lou find the prof frozen under the ice when they are out snowshoeing. Lou becomes the prime suspect because of a heated conversation at Pans ‘N Pancakes the night before. Robbie decides to do a little investigating to show the police some more plausible suspects. Turns out fans of Charles Stilton are hard to find but there are many people that are not too upsDollycas’s Thoughts

The weather is chilly in South Lick but for Professor Charles Stilton it is downright icy! Robbie Jordan and her friend Lou find the prof frozen under the ice when they are out snowshoeing. Lou becomes the prime suspect because of a heated conversation at Pans ‘N Pancakes the night before. Robbie decides to do a little investigating to show the police some more plausible suspects. Turns out fans of Charles Stilton are hard to find but there are many people that are not too upset the man is dead. Robbie passes on what she learns to the police and that lands her right in the killer’s sights.

Oh this was such an entertaining read!

The third installment to the series finds Robbie Jordan renovating the upstairs of Pans ‘N Pancakes in hopes of adding some guest rooms. While tearing out the walls she finds several surprises. Then we have a college prof-cicle with quite a list of suspects. Robbie is going to be sure the right one is iced for the crime. We also have the budding romance between Robbie and Abe that is progressing quite nicely. The weather matched what we face her in Wisconsin so I could identify with all the ice and snow.

There is never a dull moment in When The Grits Hit The Fan. Maddie loves crossword puzzles and she even makes her own. She uses them to order her thoughts, this time to connect the clues to help her solve this whodunit. She also connects the dots and learns more about the history of her building. Plus she makes an amazing discovery that connects two characters. If that isn’t enough there is a shocking end to the story the had me on the edge of my seat.

Maddie Day has brought back the characters we love from the previous books and twisted them into a very complex mystery. I loved following along with Robbie everywhere she went, even to a place I would never go in real life. My claustrophobia would definitely got the better of me. Robbie is a much braver woman than I will ever be.

Oh I have to mention the food. The problem with type of story is that the food descriptions set my stomach to growling and I start to make special meal requests of my personal chef, Mr. Dollycas. He always knows when I am reading a foodie mystery.

You can’t go wrong with a Maddie Day mystery. Well written stories with genuine characters will keep you coming back for more. I recommend you start this series from the beginning so you don’t miss a thing....more

I received a free copy of this book through netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

This is such a good cozy mystery series and I am always eagerly anticipating the next book. When this book popped up on netgalley I hit request as fast as possible. This book is just as good as the first two books, maybe even a bit better. I felt really invested in this story. The mystery kept me engaged and guessing who the murderer was. I really enjoyed this book and did my best to try and figure out the murder mI received a free copy of this book through netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

This is such a good cozy mystery series and I am always eagerly anticipating the next book. When this book popped up on netgalley I hit request as fast as possible. This book is just as good as the first two books, maybe even a bit better. I felt really invested in this story. The mystery kept me engaged and guessing who the murderer was. I really enjoyed this book and did my best to try and figure out the murder mystery and actually managed to predict who the murderer was before the main characters did. It was fun!

The mystery in this one is very good! A professor has been killed, but quickly it turns out he wasn't the nicest person and a lot of people dislikes him. So lots of people are potential suspects. A friend of Robbie has been seen arguing with him the night before he got killed and she's one of the suspects. I liked how Robbie got involved in this one. It feels pretty realistic and I liked following her reasoning and how she tries to figure out who did it. There was one clue which Robbie didn't seem to pay as much attention to, but it was the clue that I mostly used to reach the conclusion of who was the murderer. For a while I suspected others, but then there was a scene that for me felt like it ruled out that suspect and then I narrowed it down to the right one. I do admit I actually tried to figure out the murderer here, while normally I don't try as hard to figure things out, so that's part of the reason I figured it out. I liked how there were enough hints and clues to figure things out yourself, but it wasn't too obvious either. And I only reached the right conclusion a few chapters or so before the characters did.

Besides the mystery there are some other plot lines going on. Robbie is tearing down the walls of the space above her restaurant as she wants to convert it to space for rooms. Then there is her relationship that's progressing a bit. I really like these two together, the romance was a nice touch. It stayed pretty much to the background, but I liked how Robbie her relationship and friendships play a role each book.

It's always a pleasure to return to this series and visit Robbie her restaurant and read about the yummy food she prepares. I can always vividly imagine how it looks like and I enjoy reading about her puzzles, cooking and other adventures. After reading the book I can also say the cover is a nice fit with it featuring the stairs to the next floor, snowshoes, Birdie the cat and some rubble. Which all plays a part in the story. I also liked the winter weather in this book and I can only imagine how pretty everything must look like.

To summarize: This was another great installment in this series. I really enjoy this series and it's always a pleasure to return to it for another book. The mystery in this book was very well done and I put some extra effort into trying to figure out the murderer. After a while I managed to decide who I thought was the murderer and it was fun when that suspect proved to be the right one. The mystery had enough clues to figure things out, but it wasn't too obvious either. Besides the mystery there are some other plot lines going on, like Robbie her romance and how she's tearing down walls on the floor above her shop as she wants to renovate the space. It has a nice mix of mystery and other topics and I like returning to this town and the familiar characters. I am already looking forward to the next book!...more

‘When the Grits Hit the Fan’ is everything and more that I would anticipate in a cozy mystery from this author. It is fun, intriguing and fraught with suspense. There is a full, unique cast of characters and suspects. The setting is in the upper Midwest, with rich descriptions of the surrounding areas that made me homesick. It is third in the Country Store Mysteries Series and can be read as a stand-alone.

One thing I appreciated in this novel is how the author includes more of the history of the‘When the Grits Hit the Fan’ is everything and more that I would anticipate in a cozy mystery from this author. It is fun, intriguing and fraught with suspense. There is a full, unique cast of characters and suspects. The setting is in the upper Midwest, with rich descriptions of the surrounding areas that made me homesick. It is third in the Country Store Mysteries Series and can be read as a stand-alone.

One thing I appreciated in this novel is how the author includes more of the history of the building that houses Pan’s ‘N Pancakes. Even though South Lick is fictional, I liked how the author inserted a Carnegie library and its design as is prevalent in Indiana. There are wonderful-sounding breakfast dishes that almost made my mouth water! Foodies will love the included recipes.

I feel as if I got to know the primary characters better in this novel, in particular Robbie (owner of Pans ‘N Pancakes), Danna (Robbie’s right hand person), and Abe (Robbie’s boyfriend). Birdy, the black and white cat who chose Robbie as her person, is more of a presence in this novel yet I would love to see her become more of a close companion. Robbie is mature for her age, with wisdom beyond her years and the ability to ask questions and put the answers together to find the solution. Her strength in demoing second floor walls parallels her strength of character.

The plot is complex, with additional mysteries that may or may not be related to the murder occurring in the early chapters. The murder victim had very few people who actually liked him, complicating the investigation by the State Police. Robbie knows their first suspect, Lou, is not the killer, as the two women are friends; the accusation from a relative of the deceased was simply not true. The stunning surprises Robbie finds add fascinating and frightening suspense. The pace steadily increases as the mysteries grow more puzzling; I like one of Robbie’s methods of finding solutions! Discovering who the bad guy/ gal is was a challenge! I was surprised to learn who it was, as I had already guessed at and discarded the person as innocent. Overall, I very much enjoyed this novel and highly recommend ‘When the Grits Hit the Fan’ to cozy mystery fans who enjoy intriguing, well-crafted mysteries that include a bit of history and tasty regional and Italian foods.

With a grateful heart, I received an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book and as a courtesy, I am posting my honest review....more

When The Grits Hit The Fan is the fourth book in the Country Store Mysteries series.

I always enjoy reading a series that takes place in my home state, but I would love this series if it took some place other than Indiana. Maddie Day does a wonderful job once again of mixing a beautiful area of the state, its quirky inhabitants and an exciting and enjoyable mystery.

Business is picking up at Pan and Pancakes, but Robbie feels that she may be able to generate some more business if would host a montWhen The Grits Hit The Fan is the fourth book in the Country Store Mysteries series.

I always enjoy reading a series that takes place in my home state, but I would love this series if it took some place other than Indiana. Maddie Day does a wonderful job once again of mixing a beautiful area of the state, its quirky inhabitants and an exciting and enjoyable mystery.

Business is picking up at Pan and Pancakes, but Robbie feels that she may be able to generate some more business if would host a monthly dinner for the Sociology Department of Indiana University. (A side note here, a number of reviewers have referred to the university as the University of Indiana, in fact, the U of I is actually located in Indiana, PA, IU in Bloomington, IN). At the most recent meeting as Professor Zenobia Brown, chair of the department, had some heated words with Professor Stilton, who had been hoping to be appointed chair of the department.

The next day Robbie and her friend Lou decide to go snowshoeing on a nearby lake. Lou approaches what appears to be an abandoned ice fishing hole. But upon closer inspection, she sees a body just under the surface. The body is that of Professor Stilton. As the police investigate what appears to be murder it comes to light that Lou had had words with Stilton the night before over an article that she had written for her thesis and Stilton had taken and was going to have published. Lou has now become the prime suspect for Stilton’s murder.

As Robbie begins a little investigation of her own, she soon finds that Stilton might have had more enemies than friends and she will have a full plate if she hopes to find the killer.

In addition to the murder, there is another mystery that Robbie needs to solve. It appears that someone has been entering her barn and home looking for something, As she is doing some demolition on the upper floors over her restaurant she finds some items that she doesn’t who they belong to, but is unsure why and what the significance of them is.

Another enjoyable story from Maddie Day that had me guessing until the end.

Delicious sounding recipes are also included with the book. Also included is a teaser chapter from the book, Biscuits And Slashed Browns.

The mystery kept me engaged and guessing who the killer was. I enjoyed reading this book. I did my best to try to figure out the mystery and i actually managed to predict who the killer was before the main characters.

A professor has been killed, but quickly it turns out he wasn't the nicest person and a lots of people disliked him. There were many potential suspects. A friend of Robbie's has been seen arguing with him the night before he was killed, so she became one of the suspects. For a whil The mystery kept me engaged and guessing who the killer was. I enjoyed reading this book. I did my best to try to figure out the mystery and i actually managed to predict who the killer was before the main characters.

A professor has been killed, but quickly it turns out he wasn't the nicest person and a lots of people disliked him. There were many potential suspects. A friend of Robbie's has been seen arguing with him the night before he was killed, so she became one of the suspects. For a while I suspected a few, but then there was one scene that help me rule out this suspect or that suspect and I finally narrowed it down to the right one. I liked how there was enough hints and clues to figure out things on your own, but it wasn't too obvious. I liked how the book also had other things going on besides the killing. Robbie has a relationship blooming a bit and she is also renovating above the restaurant to make space for rooms.

It’s fun to see how the relationships of the characters in this series is playing out. I think things are just going to continue to get better and grow. I’m expecting some not yet seen people to show up soon. We know about them, they just haven’t been on scene yet. I like the way the books are tying the characters together and letting them continue to be part of the ongoing story. Waiting for book 4, Biscuits and Slashed Browns.

I received this book for free, but that doesn't alter my opinion. InIt’s fun to see how the relationships of the characters in this series is playing out. I think things are just going to continue to get better and grow. I’m expecting some not yet seen people to show up soon. We know about them, they just haven’t been on scene yet. I like the way the books are tying the characters together and letting them continue to be part of the ongoing story. Waiting for book 4, Biscuits and Slashed Browns.

I received this book for free, but that doesn't alter my opinion. In fact, I purchased books 1 and 2 and they are great too!!...more

Robbie Jordan is plagued with finding bodies...and unfortunately, if she isn't the suspect...a friend is. Working hard at remodeling the upstairs in her restaurant, she finds time to try to clear a friend, and she puts herself directly in the killer's sights....just as she figures it out. A tunnel in the upstairs room she is remodeling comes as a surprise, an unwelcome one when she realizes someone is using it. Follow her logic and go along for the ride. Well crafted cozy I requested and recei Robbie Jordan is plagued with finding bodies...and unfortunately, if she isn't the suspect...a friend is. Working hard at remodeling the upstairs in her restaurant, she finds time to try to clear a friend, and she puts herself directly in the killer's sights....just as she figures it out. A tunnel in the upstairs room she is remodeling comes as a surprise, an unwelcome one when she realizes someone is using it. Follow her logic and go along for the ride. Well crafted cozy I requested and received the ARC from NetGalley...more

Robbie is back and solving more puzzles. With another murder in town, Robbie is working to clear her friends' names while trying to stay safe herself.Maddie Day does a nice job of building the characters and making the town's personality come to life. This is a great addition to a flavorful cooking cozy series. I highly recommend. It could stand alone, but I'd suggest starting at the beginning to not miss part of the story and character development.

Maddie Day wrote a page-turner with When the Grits Hit the Fan. Robbie Jordan owns a diner called Pans 'N Pancakes which keeps her super busy, but when she and her friend find a body in the lake, she has to change her focus to solve the mystery before her friend is arrested for murder. With a town full of suspects, with the deceased disliked by more people than he was liked by and a University Department that had little respect for him, the story takes you through twists and turns to find the reMaddie Day wrote a page-turner with When the Grits Hit the Fan. Robbie Jordan owns a diner called Pans 'N Pancakes which keeps her super busy, but when she and her friend find a body in the lake, she has to change her focus to solve the mystery before her friend is arrested for murder. With a town full of suspects, with the deceased disliked by more people than he was liked by and a University Department that had little respect for him, the story takes you through twists and turns to find the real murderer. This book is well worth the read and I highly recommend it especially for foodie cozy mystery lovers....more

WHEN THE GRITS HIT THE FAN, book three in the Country Store Mysteries, by Maddie Day (aka Edith Maxwell) is another solid addition to a terrific series! Robbie Jordan, owner of Pans ‘N Pancakes, is a believable and likable protagonist. I enjoyed her down-to-earth attitude and her willingness to jump in and get whatever needed to be done, done… be it knocking down walls to remodel her building; or exploring a tunnel even though she’s very claustrophobic; or solving a murder when a good friend isWHEN THE GRITS HIT THE FAN, book three in the Country Store Mysteries, by Maddie Day (aka Edith Maxwell) is another solid addition to a terrific series! Robbie Jordan, owner of Pans ‘N Pancakes, is a believable and likable protagonist. I enjoyed her down-to-earth attitude and her willingness to jump in and get whatever needed to be done, done… be it knocking down walls to remodel her building; or exploring a tunnel even though she’s very claustrophobic; or solving a murder when a good friend is the suspect. The author also makes sure Robbie puts in the time required to running her restaurant, instead of letting her co-chef and friend, Danna, handle it all. This small detail added authenticity to the plot, along with the Indiana rural colloquialisms that are sprinkled throughout the book. My in-laws lived in Illinois, ten miles from the Indiana border, so I’m very familiar with the small towns, shops, and mannerisms of the people living there and Maddie Day nails both the setting and the characters.

While the story takes place during winter with lots of snow and ice, I always avoided visiting the Midwest during that season. I’m definitely a fair-weather Southern California type of gal but Maddie paints such a vivid picture with her words I could feel the cold and the terror Robbie experiences upon finding a dead body in an ice fishing hole. The murder mystery is well plotted with a sub-plot revolving around items Robbie finds hidden in the walls of her shop as she knocks them down to remodel. The author expertly weaves them together to reach a very suspenseful and exciting conclusion that will have you on the edge of your seat!

Running Pans ‘N Pancakes, Robbie is always cooking up delicious dishes that will have you drooling while reading. Fortunately, the author includes several recipes at the back of the book. Given the cold setting of WHEN THE GRITS HIT THE FAN, I was craving a bowl of soup by the time I finished the book. I tried her recipe for Sullo Scio, a rustic Italian soup that is a delicious warm, nourishing bowl of comfort!...more

Very enjoyable. Read this in two days but Goodreads isn't letting me adjust the settings.. If you haven't tried this series yet, I highly recommend. Ms. Maxwell (Maddie Day) is an excellent writer and has really honed her craft in this series.

Another good book in the Country Store Mysteries, this story follows Robbie as she tries to help her friend who is accused of the murder of a thoroughly disagreeable professor at the college where her friend works. Things get complicated, because it seems like everyone hated him and had a motive for his murder. With help from her friends, Robbie works her way through the tangle and helps find the true murderer.

Back home again in Indiana. Familiar with the locale and enjoy the mention of "Bird." It has been many years since I have been in the area, so I am probably overlooking other fun subtle references. No matter, the story is engaging whether you have been there or not. Exciting and interesting cozy mystery. Some touching moments, along with a few scary ones. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley for my voluntary review.

I finished When The Grits Hit The Fan by Maddie Day last night. This was a Country Store Mystery. I found this to be an interesting story, mystery and cast of characters. Robbie is a very strong main character who despite her age has pretty much got her life figured out at 27, her own restaurant and shop, the ability and skill to renovate the apartment above her store to turn it in to a bed and breakfast as well as a lovely boyfriend, things seem to be going very well until she finds herself neeI finished When The Grits Hit The Fan by Maddie Day last night. This was a Country Store Mystery. I found this to be an interesting story, mystery and cast of characters. Robbie is a very strong main character who despite her age has pretty much got her life figured out at 27, her own restaurant and shop, the ability and skill to renovate the apartment above her store to turn it in to a bed and breakfast as well as a lovely boyfriend, things seem to be going very well until she finds herself needed to investigate and clear her friend of suspicion. This is book three in the series, lots to build on in this mystery series....more

I enjoyed this book as I do the series. At a meeting Professor Stilton seems to be causing more problems than good and when Robbie and Lou find his body while out snowshoeing it seems that he still is causing problems when the police start to look at Lou. With further investigation it is found that very few have anything good to say about him. I love the characters in this series, I like that the police take things seriously and actually do investigate. I loved the side story of Robbie finding iI enjoyed this book as I do the series. At a meeting Professor Stilton seems to be causing more problems than good and when Robbie and Lou find his body while out snowshoeing it seems that he still is causing problems when the police start to look at Lou. With further investigation it is found that very few have anything good to say about him. I love the characters in this series, I like that the police take things seriously and actually do investigate. I loved the side story of Robbie finding interesting things while renovating and very nice twist. The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing right along with Robbie. I had no idea who did it. I will definitely continue on with this series.There is the additional bonus of some great sounding recipes in the back. ...more

When the Grits Hit the Fan is the third installment in the Country Store Mysteries series featuring Robbie Jordan, owner of Pans 'N Pancakes in South Lick, Indiana. Robbie along with her co-chef Danna, are making a name for themselves serving up delicious food in the small town, and in her spare time Robbie is finishing up the remodel on the upstairs of the old General Store in hopes of opening a Bed and Breakfast.

Robbie is hosting the bi-weekly dinner for grad students and professors from the UWhen the Grits Hit the Fan is the third installment in the Country Store Mysteries series featuring Robbie Jordan, owner of Pans 'N Pancakes in South Lick, Indiana. Robbie along with her co-chef Danna, are making a name for themselves serving up delicious food in the small town, and in her spare time Robbie is finishing up the remodel on the upstairs of the old General Store in hopes of opening a Bed and Breakfast.

Robbie is hosting the bi-weekly dinner for grad students and professors from the University of Indiana Sociology Department, when a fight erupts between her best friend Lou Perlman and Professor Charles Stilton. Charles has published Lou's undergraduate papers as his own and she's irate. Charles also manages to offend Department Chair Zenobia "Zen" Brown by questioning her sexuality.

Robbie and Lou head out for a snowshoe and stumble upon Charles' body stuffed down an ice fishing hole in the lake. It's not surprising that the Lou and Zen become the two prime suspects and Robbie sets out to clear her friends names. It soon becomes apparent that Charles wasn't well liked either on campus or by the local townsfolk, and that includes his wife and son.

In addition to trying to locate Charles' killer, Robbie discovers a hidden tunnel from the store to her barn and that someone has been making use of the tunnel to sneak around obviously looking for something. Faced with having to solve two mysteries, Robbie turns to her boyfriend Abe O'Neill for help and the two soon find themselves in danger.

A great cast of well developed characters that draw you in from page one. Mouthwatering recipes will have you wishing you were sitting down for breakfast at Pans 'N Pancakes. With just the right touch of romance this series will satisfy all cozy fans - looking forward to many more adventures with Robbie and her friends.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion....more

This third book in the series has the ingredients of a good cozy.This is the first I have read in the series but I was still able to enjoy it without having read the previous two.Interesting characters and a good setting. I will certainly read the previous books. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

It's February and Robbie Jordan has gone three whole months without finding a body or experiencing a murder in South Lick. She's just fine with that. Since winter started, she gave herself another day off each week and started on the demolition of the upstairs of the building she bought, hoping to someday turn it into rooms for a bed and breakfast.

But this is short-lived when she and her cyclist friend Lou find the body of a not so well liked professor and local guy named Charles. He was in theIt's February and Robbie Jordan has gone three whole months without finding a body or experiencing a murder in South Lick. She's just fine with that. Since winter started, she gave herself another day off each week and started on the demolition of the upstairs of the building she bought, hoping to someday turn it into rooms for a bed and breakfast.

But this is short-lived when she and her cyclist friend Lou find the body of a not so well liked professor and local guy named Charles. He was in the frozen lake under an ice fishing hole. Detective Octavia is back in this book as well so she's taken over the case. Buck tried to keep Robbie up to date but there's not a whole lot he can tell her. Robbie still investigates despite a warning note found in her barn that got broken into.

I can't really dislike Octavia for doing her job so I wasn't too upset to see her return. I like the turn that Robbie and Abe's relationship has taken. I think one of my favorite parts was when Robbie got Buck to explore a secret tunnel with her. It was almost like something out of an old Nancy Drew book which Robbie and Danna talked about later.

This time I really wasn't sure about the killer due to some clever red herrings the author put in but it was fun to see it play out. The take down was really exciting and there was some good closure to a couple of other side mysteries. Now I'm all caught up and ready for the next book in this series! ...more

Welcome back to South Lick, Indiana. Come on in to the Pans 'N Pancakes and sit down and have a bite to eat. Just be wary of the murderer in town that may be lurking at the table next to you.

When a scholar's meeting turns heated and a professor turns up dead, it seems everyone had a reason for not liking him. Even his own family! Robbie is busy asking questions, trying to clear her friends from being suspects and trying to get the upstairs renovated. Only that isn't going so well, it seems thereWelcome back to South Lick, Indiana. Come on in to the Pans 'N Pancakes and sit down and have a bite to eat. Just be wary of the murderer in town that may be lurking at the table next to you.

When a scholar's meeting turns heated and a professor turns up dead, it seems everyone had a reason for not liking him. Even his own family! Robbie is busy asking questions, trying to clear her friends from being suspects and trying to get the upstairs renovated. Only that isn't going so well, it seems there are secrets in the walls and she is getting a visitor. When her visitor leaves a threatening note that puts Robbie on edge and in danger.

This series is really rocking along! I feel as though I know the characters in town and can see the scenery for myself. I especially adore the recipes at the end so I can have my own piece of Pans 'N Pancakes.

I received an advanced eARC from the publisher through NetGalley....more

"Despite the bitter winter in South Lick, Indiana, business is still hot at Robbie Jordan’s restaurant. But when another murder rattles the small town, can Robbie defrost the motives of a cold-blooded killer?

Before she started hosting dinners for Indiana University’s Sociology Department at Pans ‘N Pancakes, Robbie never imagined scholarly meetings could be so hostile. It’s all due to Professor Charles Stilton, who seems to thrive on heated exchanges with his peers and undSummary from Goodreads:

"Despite the bitter winter in South Lick, Indiana, business is still hot at Robbie Jordan’s restaurant. But when another murder rattles the small town, can Robbie defrost the motives of a cold-blooded killer?

Before she started hosting dinners for Indiana University’s Sociology Department at Pans ‘N Pancakes, Robbie never imagined scholarly meetings could be so hostile. It’s all due to Professor Charles Stilton, who seems to thrive on heated exchanges with his peers and underlings, and tensions flare one night after he disrespects Robbie’s friend, graduate student Lou. So when Robbie and Lou go snowshoeing the next morning and find the contentious academic frozen under ice, police suspect Lou might have killed him after their public tiff. To prove her friend’s innocence, Robbie is absorbing local gossip about Professor Stilton’s past and developing her own thesis on the homicide—even if that means stirring up terrible danger for herself along the way . . ."

My Thoughts:

Three books in and this series is going strong! I actually think that this is my favorite book of the series yet. There are just so many things to enjoy and because of that I read this book in less than two days. That is almost unheard of for me! One of the things that I enjoy most about this series is reading about Robbie's cooking while working at her restaurant Pans 'N Pancakes. It is such fun to read about the different breakfast and lunch combinations that she comes up with. Also, it never fails to make me super hungry while reading and usually for breakfast type foods. I've come to realize that the majority of my favorite cozy mysteries all feature food. I'm not sure what that says about me as a reader. LOL! But I do really, really enjoy the scenes where Robbie is busy working in her restaurant with all of the delicious descriptions of the food that she makes.

I really enjoyed the mystery portion of this book as well. The author gave the story a sort of Nancy Drew feel with a hidden tunnel and other fun secrets. As I was a huge Nancy Drew fan in my youth, I couldn't get enough of this book because of it. I really enjoyed the fact that the author had me guessing on the killer throughout almost the entire book. I also really enjoyed that in this book we got to see more of Robbie's relationship with Abe. I've been hoping for this since the very first book so consider me a happy reader. I just really enjoyed this book (obviously) and don't have anything bad to say about it. My only complaint is that now I have to wait for book four. LOL! It's so hard to wait when these books are so good.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am left so excited about this series! I've really come to enjoy my time in South Lick, Indiana with all of these characters. Robbie is someone that I would want to be friends with in real life and I just love all of the other secondary characters as well. With fast-paced mysteries and that whodunnit feel I adore, I just can't seem to get enough of these books. I would recommend these books to cozy mystery and mystery fans alike. Highly recommended!

Bottom Line: My favorite of the series so far! So good!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley....more

When the Grits Hit the Fan is the third book in the Country Store Mystery series. Robbie Jordan is still renovating the old country store building she purchased in South Lick, Indiana. Her restaurant, Pan N' Pancakes is on the main floor. She is tearing out plaster in the upstairs portion of the building in preparation to add some bed and breakfast style rooms. The restaurant business has slowed down a bit now that winter weather has arrived. While snowshoeing with her friend, Lou, they come upoWhen the Grits Hit the Fan is the third book in the Country Store Mystery series. Robbie Jordan is still renovating the old country store building she purchased in South Lick, Indiana. Her restaurant, Pan N' Pancakes is on the main floor. She is tearing out plaster in the upstairs portion of the building in preparation to add some bed and breakfast style rooms. The restaurant business has slowed down a bit now that winter weather has arrived. While snowshoeing with her friend, Lou, they come upon the body of a local professor frozen under the ice. Unfortunately Lou just argued with the man over his stealing and publishing her research as his own. The local police immediately zero in on Lou as a suspect. Add in secret tunnels, small town secrets and hidden crimes and it makes for a completely engrossing cozy mystery!!

I haven't read any of the other books in this series but was able to enjoy the story and figure out the characters. So, it isn't absolutely necessary to read the books in order. I am going to go back and read the first two books after totally enjoying this one!

I like Robbie Jordan as a main character. She is intelligent, capable and does DIY like a pro! She flips pancakes at her restaurant, investigates murders and wields a pry bar to tear out plaster....and still has time for dinner and extracurricular activities with her love-interest, Abe O'Neill. I like the subplot about her renovating the old store, trying to keep it authentic looking and planning to add a B&B upstairs. The mystery is engaging. There are plenty of suspects and surprises. There were some portions I had figured out, but the very end was a surprise. Loved it!

I will definitely be reading more of this series! Very entertaining! (And made me hungry for pancakes!) When the Grits Hit the Fan will be published March 28th!

Maddie Day is a pseudonym for the author Edith Maxwell. For more information about the author and her other books check out her website at https://edithmaxwell.com/

**I voluntarily read an Advance Readers Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**...more

Every book in this series just keeps getting better and better. I love reading about Robbie and her country store/restaurant crew, as well as the other supporting characters around town. The small town ambiance is well described, and you feel at home as you read these books.

Robbie discovers yet another dead body and finds some of her friends on the suspect list, so of course she wants to try to clear them and find the real killer. As if that weren't enough, her renovations lead to the discoveryEvery book in this series just keeps getting better and better. I love reading about Robbie and her country store/restaurant crew, as well as the other supporting characters around town. The small town ambiance is well described, and you feel at home as you read these books.

Robbie discovers yet another dead body and finds some of her friends on the suspect list, so of course she wants to try to clear them and find the real killer. As if that weren't enough, her renovations lead to the discovery of a tunnel between the store and the barn---and evidence of an intruder, who may or may not be the same person as the killer.

There is a lot of action in this story, as well as a subplot that warmed my heart. I suspected who the murderer was fairly early on, but the reveal was much worse than I expected.

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher, with no expectation of an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**...more

I have been patiently awaiting this next book in the Country Store Mystery and loved it. ( I had the fortunate privilege of finding the series after the first two books were already out). I love the Country Store/Restaurant and it makes me hungry to think of all the good food that is served there and it makes me want to try the recipes that are included in the book. I would also like to meet some of the characters that hang out there, as long as one of them is not a murderer. Robbie finds herse I have been patiently awaiting this next book in the Country Store Mystery and loved it. ( I had the fortunate privilege of finding the series after the first two books were already out). I love the Country Store/Restaurant and it makes me hungry to think of all the good food that is served there and it makes me want to try the recipes that are included in the book. I would also like to meet some of the characters that hang out there, as long as one of them is not a murderer. Robbie finds herself involved in solving the murder of a professor when she and her friend Lou din them while exploring the outdoors. When Lou is deemed a suspect, Robbie decides to clear his name even though it exposes her to danger as well. I received a copy of this book from the author, but the review is entirely my own....more

When the Grits Hit the Fan, is the third book in the Country Store Mysteries series and every book has been great. With greater complexity than most traditional cozy mysteries and characters that have depth, the books of the series stand head and shoulders above most of the traditional cozy mysteries that I have read. I love when I discover a series that leaves me anxious for the next book without relying on a cliffhanger!

Robbie's life has gone through quite a few changes in the last few yearsWhen the Grits Hit the Fan, is the third book in the Country Store Mysteries series and every book has been great. With greater complexity than most traditional cozy mysteries and characters that have depth, the books of the series stand head and shoulders above most of the traditional cozy mysteries that I have read. I love when I discover a series that leaves me anxious for the next book without relying on a cliffhanger!

Robbie's life has gone through quite a few changes in the last few years in romance, in her career, and in her new habit of finding dead bodies! Using the skills that her cabinet maker mother taught her, Robbie has completed work on her new restaurant and is taking advantage of a slower winter work week to renovate her second floor to create bedrooms for a small bed and breakfast. The work apparently has someone spooked because at least one person has managed to sneak in leaving no clues as to how they got in or what they were seeking. It doesn't seem reasonable that the death of a townsman can be related to what is happening in her building but Robbie can't help feeling their might be a link. I requested an advanced readers' copy of this book via NetGalley. The review is completely voluntary; I always review books that I love....more

Maddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha-nominated mystery author Edith Maxwell.

As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.

She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner MackMaddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha-nominated mystery author Edith Maxwell.

As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.

She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.

Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories....more